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Environmental control of single‐molecule junction evolution and conductance was demonstrated for expanded pyridinium molecules by scanning tunneling microscopy break junction method and interpreted by quantum transport calculations including solvent molecules explicitly. Fully extended and highly conducting molecular junctions prevail in water environment as opposed to short and less conducting junctions formed in non‐solvating mesitylene. A theoretical approach correctly models single‐molecule conductance values considering the experimental junction length. Most pronounced difference in the molecular junction formation and conductance was identified for a molecule with the highest stabilization energy on the gold substrate confirming the importance of molecule–electrode interactions. Presented concept of tuning conductance through molecule–electrode interactions in the solvent‐driven junctions can be used in the development of new molecular electronic devices., Single‐molecule junction conductance can be efficiently tuned by solvent environment. A series of expanded pyridinium molecular wires gave higher conductance with fully extended junction geometries in solvating water environment as opposed to mesitylene solvent. Environmental control efficiently operates the molecule–electrode interactions.

International audience; Molecular-level multielectron handling toward electrical storage is a worthwhile approach to solar energy harvesting. Here, a strategy which uses chemical bonds as electron reservoirs is introduced to demonstrate the new concept of "structronics" (a neologism derived from "structure" and "electronics"). Through this concept, we establish, synthesize, and thoroughly study two multicomponent "super-electrophores": 1,8-dipyridyliumnaphtha-lene, 2, and its N,N-bridged cyclophane-like analogue, 3. Within both of them, a covalent bond can be formed and subsequently broken electrochemically. These superelectrophores are based on two electrophoric (pyridinium) units that are, on purpose, spatially arranged by a naphthalene scaffold. A key characteristic of 2 and 3 is that they possess a LUMO that develops through space as the result of the interaction between the closely positioned electrophoric units. In the context of electron storage, this "super-LUMO" serves as an empty reservoir, which can be filled by a two-electron reduction, giving rise to an elongated C−C bond or "super-HOMO". Because of its weakened nature, this bond can undergo an electrochemically driven cleavage at a significantly more anodicyet accessiblepotential, thereby restoring the availability of the electron pair (reservoir emptying). In the representative case study of 2, an inversion of potential in both of the two-electron processes of bond formation and bond-cleavage is demonstrated. Overall, the structronic function is characterized by an electrochemical hysteresis and a chemical reversibility. This structronic superelectrophore can be viewed as the three-dimensional counterpart of benchmark methyl viologen (MV).

The synergistic functioning of redox-active components that emerges from prototypical 2,2'-di(N-methylpyrid-4-ylium)-1,1'-biphenyl is described. Interestingly, even if a trans conformation of the native assembly is expected, due to electrostatic repulsion between cationic pyridinium units, we demonstrate that cis conformation is equally energy-stabilized on account of a peculiar LUMO (SupLUMO) that develops through space, encompassing the two pyridiniums in a single, made-in-one-piece, electronic entity (superelectrophoric behavior). This SupLUMO emergence, with the cis species as superelectrophore embodiment, originates in a sudden change of electronic structure. This finding is substantiated by insights from solid state (single-crystal X-ray diffraction) and solution (NOE NMR and UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry) studies, combined with electronic structure computations. Electrochemistry shows that electron transfers are so strongly correlated that two-electron reduction manifests itself as a single-step process with a large potential inversion consistent with inner creation of a carbon-carbon bond (digital simulation). Besides, absence of reductive formation of dimers is a further indication of a preferential intramolecular reactivity determined by the SupLUMO interaction (cis isomer pre-organization). The redox-gated covalent bond, serving as electron reservoir, was studied via atropisomerism of the reduction product (VT NMR study). The overall picture derived from this in-depth study of 2,2'-di(N-methylpyrid-4-ylium)-1,1'-biphenyl proves that trans and cis species are worth considered as intrinsically sharply different, that is, as doubly-electrophoric and singly-superelectrophoric switchable assemblies, beyond conformational isomerism. Most importantly, the through-space-mediated SupLUMO may come in complement of other weak interactions encountered in Supramolecular Chemistry as a tool for the design of electroactive architectures.

International audience; The triangulenium dyes constitute a family of versatile chromophores whose impressive photoabsorption and emission properties are currently highlighted in numerous novel experimental applications. In this investigation, we provide a comprehensive TDDFT characterization of their spectrocopic properties elucidating the origin of their large and complex absorption and emission vibronic spectra spread over the (whole) visible region. More precisely, by benchmarking the performance of 10 commonly-used exchange-correlation density functionals belonging to different classes of approximation, we develop and validate a computational protocol allowing the accurate modeling of both the position and optical line-shape of their vibrationally-resolved absorption and emission band structures. We find that semilocal approximations provide the best estimate of the structure of the vibronic spectra, however they spuriously and strongly underestimate their position. We finally show that global-hybrid density functionals mixing between 20 and 30% of exact-like exchange are an excellent compromise to get a satisfactory estimate of both of these properties.

International audience; We report on the light-switch behaviour of two head-to-tail expanded bipyridinium species as a function of their interaction with calf thymus DNA and polynucleotides. In particular, both DNA and polynucleotides containing exclusively adenine or guanine moieties quench the luminescence of the fused expanded bipyridinium species. This behaviour has been rationalized demonstrating that a reductive photoinduced electron transfer process takes place involving both adenine or guanine moieties. The charge separated state so produced recombines in the tens of picoseconds. These results could help on designing new organic substrates for application in DNA probing technology and lab on chip-based sensing systems.

A series of four expanded pyridinium molecules were used to investigate the correlation between a single molecule conductance (electron transport) and redox (electron transfer) properties at the electrode|electrolyte interface. Quantum chemical calculations of the transmission functions using DFT and non-equilibrium Green's function approach confirmed LUMO‒mediated electron transport in the break junction experiment. Single molecule conductance data can be rationalized within the framework of the non‒resonant tunneling mechanism. More interestingly, a linear correlation was found between the conductance values and the apparent electron transfer rate constants for three molecules of this series.

International audience; Three new linearly arranged bichromophoric systems 1–3 have been prepared, and their photophysical properties have been studied, taking also advantage of femtosecond pump–probe transient absorption spectroscopy. The three compounds contain the same chromophores, that is a Ru(II)-terpy-like species and a fused expanded bipyridinium (FEBP) unit, separated by three different, variously methylated biphenylene-type bridges. The chromophores have been selected to be selectively addressable, and excitation involving the Ru-based or the FEBP-based dyes results in different excited-state decays. Upon Ru-based excitation at 570 nm, oxidative photoinduced electron transfer (OPET) takes place in 1–3 from the 3MLCT state; however, the charge-separated species does not accumulate, indicating that the charge recombination rate constant exceeds the OPET rate constant. Upon excitation of the organic dye at 400 nm, the FEBP-based 1π–π* level is prepared, which undergoes a series of intercomponent decay events, including (i) electron-exchange energy transfer leading to the MLCT manifold (SS-EnT), which successively decays according to 570 nm excitation, and (ii) reductive photoinduced electron transfer (RPET), leading to the preparation of the charge-separated (CS) state. Reductive PET, involving the FEBP-based singlet state, is much faster than oxidative PET, involving the MLCT triplet state, essentially because of driving force reasons. The rate constant of CR is intermediate between the rate constants of OPET and RPET, and this makes 1–3 capable to selectively read the 400 nm excitation as an active input to prepare the CS state, whereas excitation at wavelengths longer than 480 nm is inefficient to accumulate the CS state. Moreover, intriguing differences between the rate constants of the various processes in 1–3 have been analyzed and interpreted according to the superexchange theory for electron transfer. This allowed us to uncover the role of the electron-transfer and hole-transfer superexchange pathways in promoting the various intercomponent photoinduced decay processes occurring in 1–3.

Adsorption properties of a series of redox-active expanded pyridinium molecules were studied at an electrified interface by cyclic and alternating current voltammetry methods. It was shown that the adsorbed state can sufficiently block N-pyramidalization of the pyridinium redox center of 2',6'-diphenyl-[4,1':4',4''-terpyridin]-1'-ium tetrafluoroborate (2), leading to a change of the mechanism from a single two-electron-transfer process to stepwise transfer of two electrons. Chemically locked molecules 1, 9-(pyridin-4-yl)benzo[ c]benzo[1,2]quinolizino[3,4,5,6- ija][1,6]naphthyridin-15-ium tetrafluoroborate (ring fusion), and 3, 3,5-dimethyl-2',6'-diphenyl-[4,1':4',4''-terpyridin]-1'-ium tetrafluoroborate (steric hindrance) do not enable N-pyramidalization of the redox center upon electron transfer (ET) and serve as references. It was shown that 1 follows Langmuir-type adsorption around a potential of zero charge and that 1-3 form a close-packed film with some repulsive interactions between individual molecules at potentials where ET takes place. It has been suggested that all three molecules lie flat on the electrode surface, with the lowest free energy of adsorption found for 2. Maximum surface concentration Γ* equal to (1.4 ± 0.1) × 10

Photosensitizers used in homogeneous photocatalytic systems for artificial photosynthesis, such as hydrogen production, are typically based on expensive transition metal complexes such as d6 ruthenium(II) or iridium(III). In this work, we demonstrate efficient H2 production in acidic water by using an organic dye derived from the triazatriangulenium (TATA+) family as a visible-light-absorbing photosensitizer (PS). By associating the hydrosoluble tris(ethoxyethanol)triazatriangulenium with an efficient H2-evolving cobalt catalyst and ascorbic acid as sacrificial electron donor (SD), remarkable photocatalytic performances were reached in aqueous solution at pH 4.5, under visible-light irradiation, with up to 8950 catalytic cycles versus catalyst. The performances of this dye largely exceed those of the benchmark Ru tris-bipyridine in the same experimental conditions when low concentrations of catalyst are used. This higher efficiency has been clearly ascribed to the remarkable robustness of the reduced form...

Twelve new polycyclic aromatic chromophores whose structures recall 9,10-substituted anthracene have been prepared and their absorption spectra, and luminescence properties (both in ethanol and dichloromethane solution at room temperature and in MeOH/EtOH (4:1 v/v) rigid matrix at 77 K) have been analyzed as well as pump-probe transient absorption spectroscopy and computational studies have been performed. The compounds have variously decorated pyrimidyl groups as substituents of the anthracene framework. The compounds are conveniently grouped in two series: 1–4 and 11, in which the pyrimidine nitrogen atoms are on the external side with respect to the anthracene framework (Ext-type compounds), and 5–10, where the pyrimidine nitrogen atoms are pointing towards the anthracene platform (Int-type compounds). Compound 12 contains both a pyrimidine substituent with “inner” nitrogen atoms (“Int”) and a pyrimidine with “outer” nitrogen atoms (“Ext”). All the new species are quite efficient luminophores (spectral range of emission maxima: 400–450 nm at 77 K; 415–520 nm at room temperature; emission lifetimes: 0.25–8.7 ns range; emission quantum yields ranging between 0.08 to 0.99, with a single exception), with their photophysical properties depending on the connection scheme of the pyrimidyl groups to the anthryl platform (i.e., Int-type vs Ext-type compounds). Luminescence originating from locally excited π−π* anthracene-based singlet states, delocalized states largely involving the pyrimidyl moieties, and charge transfer states has been identified. For the Int-type series, the initially-prepared excited state can deactivate via interconversion to a saddle-shaped conformation, opening the way to fast nonradiative decays.

Contrary to 4,4'-dipyridinium (i.e., archetypal methyl viologen), which is reduced by two single-electron transfers (stepwise reduction), the 4,1'-dipyridinium isomer (so-called "head-to-tail" isomer) undergoes two electron transfers at apparently the same potential (single-step reduction). A combined theoretical and experimental study has been undertaken to establish that the latter electrochemical behavior, also observed for other polyarylpyridinium electrophores, is due to potential compression originating in a large structural rearrangement. Three series of branched expanded pyridiniums (EPs) were prepared: N-aryl-2,4,6-triphenylpyridiniums (Ar-TP), N-aryl-2,3,4,5,6-pentaphenylpyridiniums (Ar-XP), and N-aryl-3,5-dimethyl-2,4,6-triphenylpyridinium (Ar-DMTP). The intramolecular steric strain was tuned via N-pyridinio aryl group (Ar) phenyl (Ph), 4-pyridyl (Py), and 4-pyridylium (qPy) and their bulky 3,5-dimethyl counterparts, xylyl (Xy), lutidyl (Lu), and lutidylium (qLu), respectively. Ferrocenyl subunits as internal redox references were covalently appended to representative electrophores in order to count the electrons involved in EP-centered reduction processes. Depending on the steric constraint around the N-pyridinio site, the two-electron reduction is single-step (Ar = Ph, Py, qPy) or stepwise (Ar = Xy, Lu, qLu). This steric switching of the potential compression is accurately accounted for by ab initio modeling (Density Functional Theory, DFT) that proposes a mechanism for pyramidalization of the N(pyridinio) atom coupled with reduction. When the hybridization change of this atom is hindered (Ar = Xy, Lu, qLu), the first reduction is a one-electron process. Theory also reveals that the single-step two-electron reduction involves couples of redox isomers (electromers) displaying both the axial geometry of native EPs and the pyramidalized geometry of doubly reduced EPs. This picture is confirmed by a combined UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemical and time-dependent DFT study: comparison of in situ spectroelectrochemical data with the calculated electronic transitions makes it possible to both evidence the distortion and identify the predicted electromers, which play decisive roles in the electron-transfer mechanism. Last, this mechanism is further supported by in-depth analysis of the electronic structures of electrophores in their various reduction states (including electromeric forms).

The multifaceted potentialities of expanded pyridiniums (EPs), based on one pyridinium core bearing a 4-pyridyl or 4-pyridylium as the N-pyridinio group, are established at both experimental and theoretical levels. Two classes of head-to-tail (htt) EPs were designed, and their first representative elements were synthesized and fully characterized. The branched (B) family is made up of 2,6-diphenyl-4-aryl-1,4'-bipyridin-1-ium (or 1,1'-diium) species, denoted 1B and 2B for monocationic EPs (with aryl = phenyl and biphenyl, respectively) and 1B(Me) and 2B(Me) for related quaternarized dicationic species. The series of fused (F) analogues comprises 9-aryl-benzo[c]benzo[1,2]quinolizino[3,4,5,6-ija][1,6]naphthyridin-15-ium species, denoted 1F and 2F, and their 2,15-diium derivatives referred to as 1F(Me) and 2F(Me). Electrochemistry (in MeCN vs SCE) reveals that branched EPs undergo a single reversible bielectronic reduction at ca. -0.92 V for 1B/2B and -0.59 V for 1B(Me)/2B(Me), whereas pericondensed species show two reversible monoelectronic reductions at ca. -0.83 and -1.59 V for 1F/2F and ca. -0.42 and -1.07 V for 1F(Me)/2F(Me). Regarding electronic absorption features, all htt-EP chromophores show absorptivity in the range of ca. 1-4 × 10(4) M(-1) cm(-1), with red-edge absorptions extending toward 450 and 500 nm (in MeCN) for 2B(Me) and 2F(Me), respectively. These lowest-energy pi-pi* transitions are ascribed to intramolecular charge transfer between the electron-releasing biphenyl group and the htt-bipyridinium electron-withdrawing subsystems. EPs display room-temperature photoemission quantum yields ranging from 10% to 50%, with the exception of 1B, and branched luminophores are characterized by larger Stokes shifts (8000-10 000 cm(-1)) than fused ones. Lastly, a method to predict the efficiency of photobiscyclization of branched EPs into fused ones, based on the analysis of computed difference maps in total electron density for singlet excited states, is proposed.

With the aim of getting insights into the peculiar electronic, structural, and photophysical properties of four expanded pyridinium systems of potential use as electron acceptors in supramolecular architectures, their electronic and geometrical structures, at both the ground and the excited states, were investigated by the means of density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT). Solvent effects were included by the means of a polarizable continuum model (PCM) at both the ground and the excited states. In particular, the computed photophysical behaviors (absorption and emission) of the fused architectures were compared to those of the respective branched precursors in order to clarify the origin(s) of (i) the extension of their electronic absorption toward the visible region and (ii) the increase of their luminescence quantum yields and red-shifted emission wavelengths experimentally observed. The theoretical insights gained allow for a clear-cut explanation of the different behavior of these systems of interest as electron acceptors and luminophores for more complex supramolecular architectures and opens the route for a joint experimental and theoretical design of new pyridinium-based acceptors.

The benzo[1,2]quinolizino[3,4,5,6- def ]phenanthridinium,-9-phenyl molecule (hereafter BQPT-ph + ) has been considered as a representative benchmark for simple organic and positively charged systems in solution to test the environmental effects on computed UV–Visible spectra. In particular the effects, both at geometric and electronic levels, related to the inclusion of bulk solvent, using a polarizable continuum model (PCM), and the explicit inclusion of the counterion (here BF 4 − ) will be discussed. Electronic transitions were computed at TD-DFT level using a hybrid exchange correlation functional (PBE0) and a double zeta valence basis set. Effect of inclusion of diffuse and polarization function on the computed electronic spectra will also be discussed. Finally, the importance of the vibronic structure to simulate the experimental band shape will be considered focusing on the first electronic transition, and computing ground and first excited states optimized structures together with harmonic frequencies at DFT and TD-DFT level, respectively. The good agreement obtained between computed and experimental spectra confirms the good quality of both the optimized geometries and the harmonic force fields.

This review deals with some identified consequences of excited-state conformational relaxations on photoinduced processes taking place within semi-rigid and potentially π-conjugated inorganic multicomponent systems. Planarization is the hallmark of structural upheavals herein considered. This ultrafast and widespread phenomenon is shown to occur upon various types of photoinduced charge redistributions at the intramolecular level, which span from mere metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) to charge separated (CS) state formation. Having first being reminded of the various aspects which constitute the general context of this review, that is supramolecular inorganic photochemistry, and put in perspective the plural status of intramolecular conformation, we shall assess the possible substantial changes in the photophysical features of luminophores following from planarization. Then, the impact of the excited-state planarization on the interplay between functional subunits via the modification of intercomponent electronic coupling, is discussed. Special emphasis is put on (closely coupled) dyads comprised of a photoactive coordination compound (typically of the ruthenium(II)-trisbipyridyl or osmium(II)-bisterpyridyl type) as both the photosensitizer and the primary light-triggered electron donor, and of a substituted pyridinium group as the electron acceptor. Implementation of conformational gating of photoinduced processes for molecular electronics or sensing devices is finally mentioned.

Ground-state (GS) and excited-state (ES) properties of novel photomagnetic molecular devices (PMMDs) are investigated by means of density functional theory. These organic PMMDs undergo a ferromagnetic alignment of their intramolecular spins in the lowest ES. They are comprised of: 1) an anthracene unit (An) as both the photosensitizer (P) and a transient spin carrier (SC) in the triplet ES ((3)An*); 2) imino-nitroxyl (IN) or oxoverdazyl (OV) stable radical(s) as the dangling SC(s); and 3) bridge(s) (B) connecting peripheral SC(s) to the An core at positions 9 and 10. Improving the efficiency of the PMMDs involves strengthening the ES intramolecular exchange coupling (J(ES)) between transient and persistent SCs, hence the choice of 2-pyrimidinyl (pm) as B elements to replace the original p-phenylene (ph). Dissymmetry of the pm connectors leads to [SC-B-P-B-SC] regio-isomers int. and ext., depending on whether the pyrimidinic nitrogen atoms point towards the An core or the peripheral SCs, respectively. For the int. regio-isomers we show that the photoinduced spin alignment is significantly improved because the J(ES)/k(B) value is increased by a factor of more than two compared with the ph-based analogue (J(ES)/k(B)>+400 K). Most importantly, we show that the optimal J(ES)/k(B) value ( approximately +600 K) could be reached in the event of an unexpected saddle-shaped structural distortion of the lowest ES. Accounting for this intriguing behavior requires dissection of the combined effects of 1) borderline intramolecular steric hindrance about key An-pm linkages, which translates into the flatness of the potential energy surface; 2) spin density disruption due to the presence of radicals; and 3) possibly intervening photochemistry, with An acting as a light-triggered electron donor while pm, IN, and OV behave as electron acceptors. Finally, potentialities attached to the [(SC)-pm-An-pm](int) pattern are disclosed.

The unique properties of the hexaiodobenzene dication are analyzed by the means of density functional theory and compared to those of the analogous hexachloro compound. [C 6 I 6 ] 2+ is fulfilling the Huckel (4 n + 2) rule for both its π and σ electrons, so that two orthogonal channels are opened for electron delocalization. This molecule has been chosen as the simplest prototype to set up a computational protocol to study and quantify delocalization at the periphery of a benzene core. We demonstrate that electron delocalization can be quantified by analyzing the variation of both magnetic shielding tensors and of nucleus independent chemical shift.

Photoinduced electron transfer continues to be a key process for the design of artificial systems capable to perform an efficient solar energy conversion. In particular, linearly-arranged donor–bridge–acceptor dyads have greatly contributed to shine light on the various factors that must be taken into account when designing systems for obtaining long-lived charge separation, a useful property on the route to artificial photosynthesis. Here we summarized the results we recently obtained on the photoinduced electron transfer processes occurring in Os(II)-bis(terpyridine)-(bi)pyridinium dyads. In particular, we will focus on the role of the bridge in forward and backward electron transfer processes, and on the possibility of obtaining efficient photoinduced charge separation even when the driving force for the electron transfer process approaches zero. This latter point can be of considerable interest when several electron transfer steps are considered to ultimately yield long-range charge-separated state, with minimal energy losses from the initial, light-prepared localized excited state.

The properties of a series of bipyridyl ligands, which take an active part in numerous inorganic dyes designed for photovoltaic applications, are studied by the means of density functional theory and time-dependent DFT. In particular, the properties of the 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) ligand and those of the 4,4′-dicarboxy-2,2′-bipyridine (4,4′-dcbpyH 2 ) and 5,5′-dicarboxy-2,2′-bipyridine (5,5′-dcbpyH 2 ) derivatives (in their neutral and anionic forms) were computed. The calculations were carried out in the gas phase and in solution, represented by a continuum. Beyond the good agreement with experimental data, our results show that the carboxylic groups behave as electron-withdrawing groups showing no specific spectral signature.

As an alternative to conventional charge-separation functional molecular models based on long-range ET within redox cascades, a "compact approach" has been examined. To this end, spacer elements usually inserted between main redox-active units within polyad systems have been removed, allowing extended rigidity but at the expense of enhanced intercomponent electronic communication. The molecular assemblies investigated here are of the P-(theta (1))-A type, where the theta (1) twist angle is related to the degree of conjugation between the photosensitizer (P, of {Ru(bpy)(3)}(2+) type) and the electron-acceptor (A). 4-N- and 4-N-,4'-N-(2,4,6-triphenylpyridinio)-2,2'-bipyridine ligands (A(1)-bpy and A(2)-bpy, respectively) have been synthesized to give complexes with Ru(II), 1-bpy and 2-bpy, respectively. Combined solid-state analysis (X-ray crystallography), solution studies ((1)H NMR, cyclic voltammetry) and computational structural optimization allowed verifying that theta (1) angle approaches 90 degrees within 1-bpy and 2-bpy in solution. Also, anticipated existence of strong intercomponent electronic coupling has been confirmed by investigating electronic absorption properties and electrochemical behavior of the compounds. The capability of 1-bpy and 2-bpy to undergo PET process was evaluated by carrying out their photophysical study (steady state emission and time-resolved spectroscopy at both 293 and 77 K). The conformational dependence of photoinduced processes within P-(theta (1))-A systems has been established by comparing the photophysical properties of 1-bpy (and 2-bpy) with those of an affiliated species reported in the literature, 1-phen. A complementary theoretical analysis (DFT) of the change of spin density distribution within model [1-bpy(theta (1))](-) mono-reduced species as a function of theta (1) has been undertaken and the possibility of conformationally switching emission properties of P was derived.

Ru(II) and Os(II) complexes (P) of [4'-(p-phenyl)]terpyridyl ligand (ptpy) derivatized with an electron acceptor (A) of the triphenylpyridinium (H3TP+) type have been recently proposed as functional models for electron-transfer (ET) processes in the context of artificial photosynthesis. These inorganic dyads, P-A, are expected to undergo intramolecular photoinduced ET to form a charge separated (CS) state of pivotal interest. To draw a complete picture of possible ET processes, the ground- and excited-state properties of these complexes, both in their native and monoreduced forms, have been studied by the means of density functional theory (DFT). A time-dependent-DFT approach (TDDFT) was used to interpret the electronic spectra, while additional spectroscopic measurements have been carried out in order to complete the available experimental information and to further confirm the theoretical issues. Besides the noticeable quantitative agreement between computed and experimental absorption spectra, our results allow us to clarify, by first principles, the actual nature and interplay of the electronic and geometrical coupling between the acceptor moiety and the photosensitizer. The possibility of a direct (optical) ET from the ground state to the targeted *[P+-A-] CS state is theoretically postulated and found to be consistent with available photophysical data (transient absorption spectroscopy). Concerning backward ET (from the CS state), the occurrence of a quinoidal-like electronic redistribution inherent to the photoreduced acceptor-ligand is proposed to favor efficient charge recombination.

A detailed study of the vibrational structure of the silasesquioxanes H 8Si8O12 and H10Si10O15 based on INS, IR, and Raman spectra and on a normal-coordinate analysis is reported. The inelastic neutron scattering (INS) spectrum of crystalline H8Si8O12 is in good agreement with the optical data and allowed the assignment of optically forbidden transitions. The previously published force field, determined from IR and Raman data of H8Si8O12 and D8Si8O12, provided a good fit to the INS frequencies and intensities except in the O-Si-H bending region, which is sensitive to intermolecular interactions. The INS spectrum, a comparison of the Raman spectra of dissolved and solid H8Si8O12, and published diffraction data were used to analyse the influence of crystal packing. A modified force field was developed which is adapted to crystalline H 8Si8O12 and distinguishes between O-Si-H bending force constants for the axial and the equatorial hydrogen atoms. Excellent agreement with all spectra was thus obtained. This force field was also applied to the INS spectra of H10Si10O15 and D8Si8O12. Based on a normal-coordinate analysis of the INS data, the total mean-square displacements (msd) of the hydrogen atoms of H8Si8O12 were extracted as well as limits for the total msd of the silicon atoms. The msd’s and the neutron diffraction values are in good agreement, showing that no or very little static disorder is present in crystalline H 8Si8O12. Based on the msd’s, the lowest internal torsional frequency was estimated to be 41 ( 7c m - 1 .

International audience; Hetero-tetra-metallic species based on hexanuclear assemblies [((valen)M1)Ln(OH2)2(μM2(CN)8)]22− (Ln = GdIII, TbIII; M1 = CuII, NiII and M2 = MoIV, WIV) and co-crystallized mononuclear complexes [M3(tpy)2]2+ (M3 = NiII, RuII, OsII) were identified, fully characterized, and shown to constitute a new class of single-molecule magnets.

The synthesis, characterization, redox behavior, and photophysical properties (both at room temperature in fluid solution and at 77 K in rigid matrix) of a series of four new molecular dyads (2-5) containing Ru(II)- or Os(II)-bis(terpyridine) subunits as chromophores and various expanded pyridinium subunits as electron acceptors are reported, along with the reference properties of a formerly reported dyad, 1. The molecular dyads 2-4 have been designed to have their (potentially emissive) triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) and charge-separated (CS) states close in energy, so that excited-state equilibration between these levels can take place. Such a situation is not shared by limit cases 1 and 5. For dyad 1, forward photoinduced electron transfer (time constant, 7 ps) and subsequent charge recombination (time constant, 45 ps) are evidenced, while for dyad 5, photoinduced electron transfer is thermodynamically forbidden so that MLCT decays are the only active deactivation processes. As regards 2-4, CS states are formed from MLCT states with time constants of a few dozens of picoseconds. However, for these latter species, such experimental time constants are not due to photoinduced charge separation but are related to the excited-state equilibration times. Comparative analysis of time constants for charge recombination from the CS states based on proper thermodynamic and kinetic models highlighted that, in spite of their apparently affiliated structures, dyads 1-4 do not constitute a homologous series of compounds as far as intercomponent electron transfer processes are concerned.

The authors probed the structure of Ru centers in ruthenium bipyridine complexes contained in zeolite Y cages at different loadings. It was found that n in the formula Ru(bpy){sub n}(NH{sub 3}){sub 6{minus}2n}{sup 2+} varied with loading and that at high loadings Ru(bpy){sub 3}{sup +} accumulates at the zeolite surface.

A series of linearly arranged donor-spacer-acceptor (D-S-A) systems 1-3, has been prepared and characterized. These dyads combine an Os(II)bis(terpyridine) unit as the photoactivable electron donor (D), a biphenylene (2) or phenylene-xylylene (3) fragment as the spacer (S), and a N-aryl-2,6-diphenylpyridinium electrophore (with aryl = 4-pyridyl or 4-pyridylium in 1 or 2/3, respectively) as the acceptor (A). Their absorption spectra, redox behavior, and luminescence properties (both at 77 K in rigid matrix and at 298 K in fluid solution) have been studied. The electronic structure and spectroscopic properties of a representative compound of the series (i.e., 2) have also been investigated at the theoretical level, performing Density Functional Theory (DFT)-based calculations. Time-dependent transient absorption spectra of 1-3 have also been recorded at room temperature. The results indicate that efficient photoinduced oxidative electron transfer takes place in the D-S-A systems at room temperature in fluid solution, for which rate constants (in the range 4 × 10(8)-2 × 10(10) s(-1)) depend on the driving force of the process and the spacer nature. In all the D-S-A systems, charge recombination is faster than photoinduced charge separation, in spite of the relatively large energy of the D(+)-S-A(-) charge-separated states (between 1.47 and 1.78 eV for the various species), which would suggest that the charge recombination occurs in the Marcus inverted region. Considerations based on superexchange mechanism suggest that the reason for the fast charge recombination is the presence of a virtual D-S(+)-A(-) state at low energy--because of the involvement of the easily oxidizable biphenylene spacer--which is beneficial for charge recombination via superexchange but unsuitable for photoinduced charge separation. To further support the above statement, we prepared a fourth D-S-A species, 4, analogous to 2 but with a (hardly oxidizable) single phenylene fragment serving as the spacer. For such a species, charge recombination (about 3 × 10(10) s(-1)) is slower than photoinduced charge separation (about 1 × 10(11) s(-1)), thereby confirming our suggestions.

With the aim of designing new inorganic photosensitizers for photovoltaic applications, the structural and electronic properties of two Ru(II) complexes containing terpyridine-based ligands derived from expanded pyridiniums both branched—polyphenyl—and fused—polycyclic—were investigated by the means of density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT). In particular, the structure and electronic absorption of the fused architectures—including the isolated ligand and its complex—were compared with those of their respective branched precursors with the aim to account for the their enhanced electronic features in the visible spectral region. The theoretical insights gained into the “large-surface” ligand and its associated complex open the route for a joint experimental and theoretical design of new inorganic photosensitizers based on fused expanded pyridiniums.

In regard to semirigid donor-spacer-acceptor (D-S-A) dyads devised for photoinduced charge separation and built from an unsaturated spacer, there exists a strategy of design referred to as "geometrical decoupling" that consists in introducing an inner-S twist angle approaching 90° to minimize adverse D/A mutual electronic influence. The present work aims at gaining further insights into the actual impact of the use of bulky substituents (R) of the alkyl type on the electronic structure of spacers (S) of the oligo-p-phenylene type, which can be critical in the functioning of derived dyads. To this end, a series of 12 novel expanded pyridiniums (EPs), regarded as model S-A assemblies, was synthesized and its structural, electronic, and photophysical properties were investigated at both experimental and theoretical levels. These EPs result from the combination of 4 types of pyridinium-based acceptor moieties with the three following types of S subunits connected at position 4 of the pyridinum core: xylyl (X), xylyl-phenyl (XP), and xylyl-tolyl (XT). From comparison of collected data with those already reported for eight other EPs based on the same A components but linked to S fragments of two other types (i.e., phenyl, P, and biphenyl, PP), the following quantitative order in regard to the pivotal S-centered HOMO energy perturbation was derived (sorted by increasing destabilization): PX ≪ PP ≈XP ≈XT. This indicates that spacers (S) are primarily distinguished on the basis of their mono- or biaryl composition and secondarily by their number of methyl substituents (R). The electron-donating inductive contribution of methyl substituents (HOMO destabilization) more than counterbalances the effect of conjugation disruption (HOMO stabilization). This "compensation effect" suggests that mildly electron-withdrawing hindering groups are better suited for "geometrical decoupling", given that high-energy S-centered occupied MOs can assist charge recombination within D-S-A dyads.

A step-by-step theoretical protocol based on density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT at both the molecular and periodic levels is proposed for the design of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) devices including dyes and electrolyte additives. This computational tool is tested with a fused polycyclic pyridinium derivative as a novel dye prototype. First, the UV-vis spectrum of this dye alone is computed, and then the electronic structure of the system with the dye adsorbed on an oxide semiconductor surface is evaluated. The influence of the electrolyte part of the DSSC is investigated by explicitly taking into account the electrolyte molecules co-adsorbed with the dye on the surface. We find that tert-butylpyridine (TBP) reduces the electron injection by a factor of 2, while lithium ion increases this injection by a factor of 2.4. Our stepwise protocol is successfully validated by experimental measurements, which establish that TBP divides the electronic injection by 1.6 whereas Li(+) multiplies this injection by 1.8. This procedure should be useful for molecular engineering in the field of DSSCs, not only as a complement to experimental approaches but also for improving them in terms of time and resource consumption.

This study evaluates the impact of the extension of the π-conjugated system of pyridiniums on their various properties. The molecular scaffold of aryl-substituted expanded pyridiniums (referred to as branched species) can be photochemically bis-cyclized into the corresponding fused polycyclic derivatives (referred to as pericondensed species). The representative 1,2,4,6-tetraphenylpyridinium (1 H ) and 1,2,3,5,6-pentaphenyl-4-(p-tolyl)pyridinium (2 Me ) tetra- and hexa-branched pyridiniums are herein compared with their corresponding pericondensed derivatives, the fully fused 9-phenylbenzo[1,2]quinolizino[3,4,5,6-deflphenanthridinium (1 H f) and the hitherto unknown hemifused 9-methyl-1,2,3-triphenylbenzo[h]phenanthro-[9,10,1-def]isoquinolinium (2 Me f). Combined solid-state X-ray crystallography and solution NMR experiments showed that stacking interactions are barely efficient when the pericondensed pyridiniums are not appropriately substituted. The electrochemical study revealed that the first reduction process of all the expanded pyridiniums occurs at around ―1 V vs. SCE, which indicates that the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) remains essentially localized on the pyridinium core regardless of pericondensation. In contrast, the electronic and photophysical properties are significantly affected on going from branched to pericondensed pyridiniums. Typically, the number of absorption bands increases with extended activity towards the visible region (down to ca. 450 nm in MeCN), whereas emission quantum yields are increased by three orders of magnitude (at ca. 0.25 on average). A relationship is established between the observed differential impact of the pericondensation and the importance of the localized LUMO on the properties considered: predominant for the first reduction process compared with secondary for the optical and photophysical properties.

Intercalation of small molecules into DNA is photochemically achieved by in situ irradiation of a tetraaryl-pyridinium species. Such a “DNA intercalation on demand” process could highlight an alternative pathway to anticancer basic research, based on photo-activable DNA binders.

AnOV is a π-conjugated radical built from an anthracene (An) unit linked by a p-phenylene to an oxoverdazyl (OV) moiety. The mono-oxidized (cationic) form of AnOV was generated both electrochemically and photo-chemically (in the presence of an electron acceptor). The triplet nature (S= 1) of the electronic ground state of AnOV + was demonstrated by combining spectroelectrochemistry, electron-spin resonance (ESR) experiments, and ab initio molecular orbital (MO) calculations. The intramolecular spin alignment (ISA) within AnOV + results from the ferromagnetic coupling (J electrochem > 0) of the two unpaired electrons located on the oxidized electron donor (An + ) and on the pendant OV radical. The spin-density distribution pattern of AnOV + is akin to that of AnOV when photopromoted (AnOV * ) to its high-spin (HS) lowest excited quartet (S=3/2) state. This high-spin state results from the ferromagnetic coupling (J photophys > 0) of the triplet locally excited state of An ( 3 An*) with the doublet ground state of OV. As a shared salient feature, AnOV + and AnOV* (HS) show a spin delocalization within the domain of activated An in either An + or 3 An* (nexus states) forms. The present study essentially contributes to establish and clarify relationships between electrochemical, photophysical, and photochemical pathways to achieve ISA processes within AnOV. In particular, we discuss the impact of the spin polarization of the unpaired electron of OV on electronic features of the An electron-donating subunit. Close analysis of this polarizing interplay allows one to derive a novel functional paradigm to manipulate electron spins at the intramolecular level with light and under an external magnetic field. Indeed, two original functional elements are identified: light-triggered donors of spin-polarized electrons and spin-selective electron acceptors, which are of potential interest for molecular spintronics.

Ground- and excited-state magnetic properties of recently charac- terized p-conjugated photomagnetic or- ganic molecules are analyzed by the means of density functional theory (DFT). The systems under investiga- tion are made up of an anthracene (An) unit primarily acting as a photo- sensitizer (P), one or two iminonitroxyl (IN) or oxoverdazyl (OV) stable organ- ic radical(s) as the dangling spin carri- er(s) (SC), and intervening phenylene connector(s) (B). The magnetic behav- ior of these multicomponent systems, represented here by the Heisenberg- Dirac magnetic exchange coupling (J), as well as the EPR observables (g ten- sors and isotropic A values), are accu- rately modeled and rationalized by using our DFT approach. As the capa- bility to quantitatively assess intramo- lecular exchange coupling J in the ex- cited state makes it possible to under- take rational optimization of photo- magnetic systems, DFT was subse- quently used to model new compounds exhibiting different connection schemes for their functional compo- nents (P, B, SC). We show in the pres- ent work that it is worthwhile consider- ing the triplet state of anthracene, that is, P when promoted in its lowest pho- toexcited state, as a full magnetic site in the same capacity as the remote SCs. This framework allows us to accurately account for the interplay between tran- sient ( 3 An) and persistent (IN, OV) spin carriers, which magnetically couple according to a sole polarization mechanism essentially supported by phenyl connector(s). From our theoret- ical investigations of photoinduced spin alignment, some general rules are pro- posed and validated. Relying on the analysis of spin-density maps, they allow us to predict the magnetic behav- ior of purely organic magnets in both the ground and the excited states. Fi- nally, the notion of photomagnetic mo- lecular devices (PMMDs) is derived and potential application towards mo- lecular spintronics disclosed.

The synthesis and characterization of the new ligands L(1), L(2) and L(4) are described with the series of four europium complexes of formula [EuL(n)(TTA)(3)] in which TTA refers to 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetonate and L(n) to tridentate ligands with nitrogen containing heterocyclic structure, such as a 2,6-bis(3-methyl-pyrazolyl)-4-(p-toluyl-ethynyl)-triazine for L(1), or terpyridines functionalized at the 4' position by a phenyl-vinylene for L(2), a p-dimethylamino-phenylene for L(3), or a p-aminophenyl-ethynylene for L(4). The spectroscopic properties of the ligands and of the complexes are studied by means of UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, as well as steady-state and time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy. All complexes display europium centred luminescence upon ligand excitation. Careful examination of the excitation spectra revealed differences in the ligand based sensitization efficiencies. For complexes of L(1) and L(2), excitation of europium is mainly achieved through the TTA moieties and the photo-physical studies on [EuL(1)(TTA)(3)] evidenced a weaker coordination of the bispyrazolyltriazine tridentate ligand, resulting from a partial decomplexation upon dilution. Complexes of L(3) and L(4) display intense excitation through the tridentate units, which extend down to 460 nm in the visible region. In the case of L(3), selective excitation reveals the presence of a ligand-centred emission band at 520 nm which is likely ascribed to a L(3) centred charge transfer state.

Nous rendons compte ici des performances d'une approche moderne et opérante de la théorie de la fonctionnelle de la densité (DFT) pour la prédiction du comportement photophysique de composés du ruthénium (II) et de l'osmium(II). Pour interpréter leurs propriétés d'absorption électronique, l'approche DFT dépendante du temps a été utilisée. Nous illustrons notre propos par l'analyse des deux systèmes suivants : (1) un complexe qui présente une isomérisation photo-induite de la liaison de coordination impliquant l'un de ses ligands ; (2) une molécule bipartite composée d'un complexe photosensibilisateur lié à un accepteur d'électron, conçue pour être le siège d'un transfert d'électron photo-induit conduisant à la formation d'un état de « charges séparées » (CS). Au-delà du remarquable accord quantitatif constaté entre les caractéristiques calculées et expérimentales des spectres d'absorption, nos résultats ont permis de clarifier, ab initio, la nature des états excités impliqués, illustrant ainsi les vertus prédictives de l'approche théorique employée. An account of the performance of a modern and efficient approach to Density Functional Theory (DFT) for the prediction of the photophysical behavior of a series of Ru(II) and Os(II) complexes is given. The time-dependent-DFT method was used to interpret their electronic spectra. Two different types of compounds have been analyzed: (1) a complex undergoing a light induced isomerization of one of its coordination bonds; (2) an inorganic dyads expected to undergo intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer to form a charge separated (CS) sate. Besides the noticeable quantitative agreement between computed and experimental absorption spectra, our results allow to clarify, by first principles, both the nature of the excited states and the photochemical behavior of these complex systems, thus underlying the predictive character of the theoretical approach.

A theoretical analysis, based on density functional theory, has been carried out to study photoinduced processes within a recently experimentally characterized (Lainé, P. P.; Bedioui, F.; Loiseau, F.; Chiorboli, C.; Campagna, S. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ja058357w.) series of Os(II) bis-tpy complexes (tpy = 2,2':6'2' '-terpyridine) functionalized by 2,4,6-triarylpyridinium groups, TP+. These dyad systems, designed to produce a charge-separated state (CSS) upon light excitation, are made up of a photosensitizer unit (P, the metal complex) and a tunable acceptor unit (A, the TP+). A full ab initio characterization of the electronic and structural properties of the lowest-lying triplet excited states, as well as of the CSS, allowed for a complete rationalization of the photoinduced processes taking place within the dyads. Among salient insights, theory allowed (i) substantiation of the inner P structural planarization as the relaxation mode of the MLCT states, (ii) confirmation of the existence of a ligand-centered triplet excited state (3LC) shown to essentially involve the nitro substituent of A (TP+-NO2) and lying very close in energy to the P-centered 3MLCT state, and (iii) a demonstration that the energy of the 3LC level is independent of intercomponent tilt angle (theta1). On this basis, the occurrence of a reversible electronic energy transfer between the 3MLCT and the 3LC states could be substantiated and shown to depend on the intramolecular conformation represented by theta1, which actually governs their electronic coupling (essentially via the degree of intercomponent conjugation). These computational issues were checked against experimental data already available and the results of a specifically undertaken photophysical study. Finally, CSS formation has been confirmed by studying the spin density patterns of reduced nitro-derivatized dyads. Taken together, these findings accurately account for the different excited-state behaviors of the dyads as a function of the level of structural restriction of their intercomponent conformation (and related amplitude for torsional fluctuations), thus providing theoretical evidence of conformationally gated photoinduced electron- and energy-transfer processes.

A new class of triarylpyridinio-derivatized [4'-(p-phenyl)(n)]terpyridyl ligands, R(1)(2)R(2)TP(+)-(p)(n)tpy, was designed as a novel category of electron-acceptor (A)-substituted proto-photosensitizing molecules. The first elements of this versatile family of ligands (i.e., n = 0, 1 and R(1) = R(2) = H), H(3)TP(+)-tpy and H(3)TP(+)-ptpy, were synthesized as well as their Ru(II) and Os(II) complexes to form the related acceptor-functionalized M(tpy)(2)(2+) and M(ptpy)(2)(2+) photosensitizer components denoted P0 and P1, respectively. Within the P1 series of compounds, an electron-donor (D)-substituted ligand, Me(2)N-ptpy, was also involved and associated with H(3)TP(+)-ptpy, giving rise to various combinations (up to 10 polyad systems). The two resulting series of nanometer-scale rigid rod-like photosensitized supramolecular architectures are of potential interest for long-range photoinduced electron transfer purposes. The main structural features of such supermolecules were determined by comparing the results obtained from (i) single-crystal X-ray analysis of the two free ligands together with that of the P0A/Ru and P1A(2)/Ru complexes and (ii) a detailed solution (1)H NMR study of the P0 series and, more specifically, of the P0A/Ru dyad (ROESY experiment). It is shown that the pseudoperpendicular conformation of the covalently linked A and P subunits found in the solid state is persistent in fluid medium; i.e., A is not conjugated with P (P0 and P1). The first insights regarding the consequences upon intercomponent couplings of combined substituent effects and conjugation (case of D-based polyads)-or absence of conjugation-are discussed in the light of ground-state electronic properties of the compounds.

The bis(pentaammineruthenium(II)) complex of dicyanonorbornadiene has been prepared and characterized. Its photochemical conversion into a dicyanoquadricyclane complex by irradiation in methanol has been followed by UV−visible spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The dicyanonorbornadiene complex exhibits an intervalence transition in the 1000−1600 nm range when oxidized to the ruthenium(II)−ruthenium(III) state. This allows the determination of the effective coupling Vab through the dicyanonorbornadiene ligand, which is found as 0.023 eV. No such band is observed in the case of the dicyanoquadricyclane complex. These results show the possibility to modulate an intramolecular electron transfer process by using a photoisomerizable bridging ligand.

A new family of electron acceptor ligands complexed with osmium(II) and associated with appropriate electron donor subunits within heteroleptic compounds, results in multicomponent assemblies of potential interest for both synthetic chemistry and supramolecular photochemistry.

Intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the amido groups [O(81)...H(111)=1.89 (4) A and N(11)-H(111)...O(81)=151 (3) o ] maintains the molecule in a conformation that favours partial delocalization between the amido groups and the adjacent C(2)=C(7) double bond. This can be inferred from a shortening of the C(1)-C(2) and C(7)-C(8) single bonds [1.479 (3) and 1.481 (3) A, respectively] and a small lengthening of the C(2)=C(7) double bond [1.341 (3) A]. Partial relief of the strain in the cycle then allows a shortening of the C(4)=C(5) double bond [1.285 (4) A] [1.330 (3) A in unsubstituted norbornadiene; Morino, Kuchitsu & Yokoseki (1967). Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn, 40, 1552]

The electronic (absorption spectra) and electrochemical properties of a novel series of triphenylpyridinium (H(3)TP(+)=A) electron-acceptor-based polyad species have been correlated with their steady-state (emission spectra) and time-resolved (ns and ps laser flash photolysis) photophysical behavior (at both 293 and 77 K). These d(6) transition metal complexes (M=Ru(II), Os(II)) of 2,2':6',2"-terpyridines (tpy) are denoted as P0 and P1, depending on whether they incorporate H(3)TP(+)-tpy or H(3)TP(+)-ptpy ligands (ptpy=4'-phenyl-substituted tpy), respectively. For the P0/Ru-based compounds, the luminescence quantum yield and excited-state lifetime of the "[Ru(tpy)(2)](2+)" chromophore have been found to be considerably enhanced at 293 K (e.g., tau=0.56 ns for isolated P0/Ru in acetonitrile vs tau=55 and 27 ns for P0/Ru within P0 A/Ru and P0 A(2)/Ru (A=electron acceptor), respectively). In spite of the lack of conjugation between P0 and A, this behavior has been ascribed to a through-bond mediated electronic substituent effect originating from the directly connected H(3)TP(+) electron-withdrawing group. For the P1-based compounds, the possibility of photoinduced electron-transfer (PET) processes with the formation of charge-separated (CS) states is discussed, and the main results may be summarized as follows: 1) when involved, the electron-donor D (D=Me(2)N of Me(2)N-ptpy) is strongly electronically coupled to P1 but cannot facilitate a reductive quenching of *P1 to give the *[D(+)-P1(-)]-type of CS state for thermodynamic reasons, irrespective of whether M is Ru(II) or Os(II); 2) the P1 and A components have been shown to be very weakly electronically coupled; 3) at 293 K, P1/Ru- and P1/Os-based polyad systems display distinct photophysical behavior with respect to A, with only the latter exhibiting a noticeable quenching of luminescence (up to 50 % for P1 A/Os with respect to P1/Os); 4) for assemblies made up of P1/Os and A components only, comparison between their room-temperature (RT) and low-temperature (LT; 77 K, frozen matrix) photophysical properties, together with information gleaned from combined transient absorption experiments and spectroelectrochemical studies of P1/Os and P1 A/Os, further supported by thermodynamic considerations, allowed us to conclude that a PET process does take place within the P1 A/Os dyad leading to the *[P1(+)-A(-)] CS state. For the DP1 A/Os triad, the formation of such a CS state followed by an enhanced electron-releasing inductive effect from D is postulated.

Dinuclear ruthenium(II) complexes have been prepared which contain back-to-back bis-terpyridine ligands of various lengths (Ru ⋯ Ru distances between 7 and 20 A) as bridges; significant electronic coupling is observed in mixed-valence states, even for the system with the longest separation.